Road trips are one of the most popular ways to explore a country. Indeed, it is a fantastic way to discover all that a region has to offer and at your own pace. However, planning such an adventure can be quite daunting. This article will take a look at some helpful tips for planning road trips.
Table of Contents
Consider An RV
If you aren’t the type of person that has to have a hotel room waiting for you at the end of each night, then maybe an RV rental is right for you. This way, your home isn’t tied down in one place and you can go whenever and wherever you fancy. However, when searching for RV rentals in Florida or other states, always be sure to compare prices and deals. You may find one company is offering a better rental price than the rest, which could save you hundreds of dollars.
When choosing an RV, look out for the number of miles included. Sometimes, you may think you are getting a great deal only to have the distance counter ticking up overnight. Of course, this isn’t always the case but it is something that should be considered when choosing your rental.
If possible, try out an RV for size before signing up for one. This will give you an appreciation of how much storage space you will need, what size bed is good for your party, and whether the facilities suit your needs.
Road Trip Itinerary
When planning a big road trip, having a plan in place is always advisable. This means that you can work out which attractions will suit your fancy and how much time you have to explore.
Make sure that when creating your itinerary, you don’t forget about sleeping arrangements. Also include some downtime in your schedule for relaxing with family and friends.
To properly plan out this adventure, you need to go back to basics. This means getting a map of the region in question and plotting down where you want to visit. Remember that some spots will be harder to get to than others so make sure your road trip itinerary is realistic.
Packing Logistics
When planning a big road trip it is always necessary to make provisions for any unexpected circumstances. Before heading out on the road, pack an emergency kit with all of your essentials.
Your emergency kit should contain sufficient drinking water for everyone in your party, extra food supplies including high-energy snacks and emergency food rations, a tire change kit, a first aid kit, which should include plasters, bandages, tweezers, and antiseptic wipes/spray, matches or lighter equipment, an emergency phone number list, including the number of the local police department, the number of your roadside assistance service.
When it comes to packing for a big road trip, always have an overnight bag packed and ready to go. That way, if you decide to stop somewhere overnight then you don’t have to worry about where your things are or whether they will be safe. Also, check the weather forecast before setting off so that you can pack for any changes in conditions.
Decide on a Budget
When planning a road trip, it is important to consider your budget and stick to it. There are numerous ways in which you can cut costs and still enjoy all that the area has to offer:
- Avoid tourist attractions and try to find free activities
- Eat at local restaurants and not only the usual chains that you always visit
- Don’t buy souvenirs; take photos or write letters instead.
- Look online for coupons and deals before visiting big-name stores.
- Avoid paying for public transport; use bikes, carpools, or walk instead
- Make sure you schedule a time to stop and relax at the roadside. It is cheaper than stopping at every roadhouse.
You can draft a budget with an app or spreadsheet program on your phone. This way you can easily move money between categories.
Learn The Road Signs
Road tripping can be an exhilarating experience but it can also present its challenges. One of the main things that you will need to get used to is the road signs that are used by each State.
This means learning what “yield” means, where construction flags are required and how much passing distance should be allowed between vehicles.
If you are unsure of what any signs mean while driving on the open road, ask the people in your car, call ahead to a rest stop or even pull over. These might seem like big inconveniences but they will prevent you from causing an accident which could result in injuries or worse to yourself and other drivers. Some common road signs are:
- Yield: This means that the road in front is two way and you need to slow down and stop if necessary
- Speed Limit: The posted speed limit on the road you are currently driving along. It doesn’t mean that you have to stick exactly to the number, but it should give you an indication of how fast you should be going
- Detour: If the road you are traveling on is closed or diverted, this sign will tell you where to go instead. It might mean adding extra miles onto your trip but it will keep you out of harm’s way. It is also a good idea to look at other cars on the road for any warning signs that might indicate that something is wrong with the road.
- Stop: This means you must come to a complete stop before you can proceed
- Slow: You should slow down on this section of the road so as not to pose a danger to other drivers or yourself
- Construction: If there is construction going on ahead, this sign will let you know what type of road conditions to expect
Once you have reached your destination, don’t forget to fill in a logbook with all the signs that you saw along the way. You might even stumble across a new sign that wasn’t on your list and it can help you understand signs in other States too.
Planning a road trip can be a lot of fun, but it is important to make sure you have all the necessary tools and knowledge before setting off. By following these tips, you will be ready to enjoy your road trip and arrive at your destination with confidence.
